CSIO Rome Piazza di Siena, from May 24th to May 27th, Italy markes the beginning of a exciting new chapter in its history.The project signed by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and the Italian Equestrian Federation (FISE) is essentially based on the extensive improvement and environmental protection of Villa Borghese. The original oval in the piazza, created at the end of the 18th century by Prince Marcantonio IV Borghese, is back to be green and all the original structure, involving the walls and terraces bordering the oval arena, have been restructured under the supervision of the city’s Fine Arts Department.
The original architectural characteristics, the cypress trees and the rings of hedges surrounding the oval arena will be the event’s predominant elements. All temporary structures have been studied so as to establish compatibility with the villa’s architectural and natural context. CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena has entered a very valuable partnership, becoming part of the calendar of prestigious Rolex sporting events.

Jur Vrieling and Glasgow. Photo Stefano Secchi

The Rome-Piazza di Siena CSIO is acknowledged as being one of the most beautiful shows on the international show-jumping circuit. With it elegance, style and glamorous events, it attracts visitors from around the world. The arena is once again grass; this marks a return to its origins, since grass had only been replaced with sand only in 2007 and is a decision that has not changed the surface’s technical characteristics. The re-grassing of the arena has been a great success and the Roman oval is now ready to welcome the show jumping world’s top riders in its new and yet ancient guise.

Photo Press Piazza di Siena

Photo Press Piazza di Siena

The most important classes in the CSIO5* will be the Nations Cup scheduled for Friday, May 25th, the mixed class with jumps at 1.50/1.55 m on the Saturday and the Grand Prix (1.60 m) on Sunday. A total of nine nations will line out including Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, USA and Italy and all the leading riders in the world rankings. It’s a new beginning to a legendary event, and it’s going to be very special indeed….